Synthetic Oil: Is is REQUIRED?

I think Elektroingenieur has the information & linked manual in this thread:

How long can one delay a synthetic oil change past 6 months? | PriusChat

I just got my engine oil and oil filter changed at the 12 month mark because I'm only using synthetic (was under 10K miles, though.) I paid $90 for the oil, filter, and tire rotation at my local Japanese auto shop.

 

Look in this booklet, not in the Owner's Manual:



If you didn't get a copy of it when acquiring this pre-owned car, then scroll down to the third row here, to download a copy:

2017 Toyota Prius Owners Manual and Warranty - Toyota Owners

 

No but they are quite amendment that you should NOT use a thicker oil than specified.......and that is not available and maybe not possible in a "conventional" oil.
The specified oil keeps getting thinner because of tiny reductions in total engine friction, resulting in better efficiency AND while still allowing tighter tolerances at the same time.
An oil that is much thicker might not lubricate a new engine properly.........and wear faster.
After 100K miles or so, it probably makes little to no difference.

 

Thank you!

 

Thank you!

 

It makes me angry the service manager didn't explain that to you!
But, IMHO, don't just take your vehicle to any yahoo for an oil change...there's a number of benefits by using the dealer which includes the MPI (multi-point inspection) where you look over everything and let you know if they see any issues. Also, since they work on Toyotas all day long, they know trouble spots to especially check for....other mechanics just don't always know. If they identify stuff that needs work, don't say yes right away, come back here and ask the experts. (We'll say heck no to changing out the blinker fluid, if they tried that, but could help advice is they want to do a brake job and as cars get older things to pop up, whether it's a hybrid or not.)

 

I would check your dealers pricing on oil changes. You'd be surprised sometimes. My dealer would change my oil and filter for 49.99 with full synthetic TGMO. Ive since switched to changing it myself with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum but the dealer was always my go to.

 

Yep. I got my car used and I don't qualify for any free perks from our local stealership.* But I am taking it to the Japanese specialty shop partially for this reason; I know they are checking for other issues. (I already check my fluid levels myself but I figure they can tell me if they see something weird.) I don't mind paying about $50 for the labor (I assume the supplies are probably $40ish if I bought them myself).... and I don't have a level, private driveway to change oil in anyway. LOL.

*I know for a fact they overcharge, even way beyond Seattle standards. I guess their clientele base is loaded devs.

 

My dealership do not advertise the brand they use for their oil. I am still under ToyotaCare and my first service 5000miles, was $89 just for a tire rotation.

 

Is the "free service for 25,000 miles or 2 years" feature no longer part of the sale package?

 

it was free, but the repair order says total for that 5k service was $89 paid by ToyotaCare

 

I'm doubting that Toyota paid the shop that much. Sort of like medical billings, the rack rate price shown to you is not what the insurance company actually pays the provider.

 

the good old jiffy lube scam.

 

Geesh maybe dealer's are cheaper out here

 

I just asked the closest Toyota dealership and they said full synthetic oil change 0W20 costs $54.95 plus tax and fees and they use Mobile oil (Firestone appears to use Pennzoil). So, maybe it is less expensive than Firestone. Hmmmm....I'll probably still bring it to Firestone; it's closer and I've been going there for over 20 years. I'm sure they have a coupon to bring the price down.

 

My 2020 AWDe calls for the new 0w15 synthetic oil which would be even more expensive, but my dealer does oil changes free for life (every 10k miles or 1 year), a perk due to buying the car from him.

JeffD

 

YIKES.
You do NOT have to make a special visit to have your tires rotated at 5000 miles.
Having it done coincident with your oil changes should be fine......and it might be less costly too.

The "life" you lose in your tires by doing that will be little to nothing.

 

Yep, many folks don't know about the deals available at dealerships. My parts department gives 10% military discount and also has discounts if you buy in bulk. Three oil filters used to be $9.99 but I think the last time I got some it was up to $12.99 but still a great deal for OEM's. In the service department, you can buy 3 oil changes with tire rotation and car wash for $90, conventional oil and $165 for synthetic. But in the details it says must be used within a year. Now who gets their oil changed 3 times a year??? (Very few folks) I think I'll send a suggestion to them to update that.

 

He didn't lie, he just didn't fully explain the situation. According to the Warranty and Service Guide, you can go 10,000 miles/1 year IF you fill with 0W-20. Toyota never mentions the word "synthetic", but my understanding is all 0W- oils are synthetic, so it is implied if not explicitly stated. If you don't want to use "0W-" oil, then you are supposed to only go 5,000 miles/6 months between changes. So, "synthetic" is not required, but you can only go 5,000 miles on "non-synthetic" is the way I understand it.

 

That’s maybe be conflation? The manual says “you can use 5w20, but only go 5k miles” (paraphrasing, but words to that effect). But:

they don’t stipulate it’s conventional 5W20 they’re talking about, and that weight comes in both conventional and synthetic.

I keep to 5k and 6 mo anyway. One reason: that’s Toyota Canada’s recommendation, for 3rd gen. But mainly because I’m more comfortable with that.